Queen of the Ring is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to learn about the history of women in pro wrestling through a dramatized lens. The movie begins in the middle of the action, with women’s world champion professional wrestler Mildred Burke (Emily Bett Rickards) in the middle of an important fight. As it appears she might be on the cusp of losing, the movie jolts back to the beginning of her career, when she impresses wrestling promotor Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas), leading to the start of her career, and women’s professional wrestling as a whole.
While great wrestling movies like The Peanut Butter Falcon, The Iron Claw, and The Wrestler have plenty to say about the sport, Queen of the Ring excels at showcasing the history of women’s pro wrestling. It’s a story that’s gone underrepresented on the big screen, but one writer-director Ash Avildsen expertly presents with a compelling narrative. It’s an exciting testament to women’s wrestling, with a sharp, quick pace that keeps viewers engaged. It’s aided by plenty of events, both exciting and emotional, that dramatize history while paying homage to the real figures it’s based on.
Queen Of The Ring’s Quick-Paced Story Is Complimented By Interesting Characters
The biggest standout element of Queen of the Ring‘s story is how it moves at a quick, snappy pace. Years of history is often condensed into ten or fifteen minutes, with important characters and concepts getting introduced quite rapidly. However, it’s never presented too quickly, as the movie ensures new introductions and ideas get their time to breathe. It helps that Avildsen’s writing presents each new character using memorable archetypes, from confident wrestler Mae Young (Francesca Eastwood) to wrestling pioneer Jack Pfefer (Walton Goggins).
This can occasionally act to the film’s detriment, as there are scenes where it’s unclear that years have passed in the blink of an eye. However, the movie pulls from recent wrestling films like The Iron Claw by maintaining its realism, always presenting its history in dramatic ways that generally adhere to real events. It’s aided by phenomenal performances from the whole cast, with Rickards and Lucas’ interactions as Mildred and Billy being the standouts. As the roster for the women’s wrestling team grows, more stellar actors arrive to make even the smallest character feel big to the movie.
[T]he overall history of women’s wrestling getting a spotlight doesn’t detract from the protagonist’s story, which is its own powerful narrative about perseverance in the face of what feels like impossible odds.
The way major characters develop is another strength, especially when it comes to Billy Wolfe. Even in the earliest parts of the movie, there are hints about how he and Mildred’s relationship will develop, leading to a satisfying dramatization of the actual history between them. He’s not the only figure to have their historical importance laced with believable characterization, as it’s commonplace for everyone in the movie. This approach adds not only to the accuracy of the film, but also makes its story more emotionally engaging, especially as more unfolds.
The Movie’s Important Story Is Bolstered By Complex Events
Nothing In The Wrestling Business Is Ever Black & White
It doesn’t take long for Queen of the Ring to emphasize the complexities surrounding the wresting industry, especially at a time when many states outlawed women from participating. This is illustrated through the film’s complex events, which sees Mildred navigating a world she was vital to building. But the overall history of women’s wrestling getting a spotlight doesn’t detract from the protagonist’s story, which is its own powerful narrative about perseverance in the face of what feels like impossible odds.
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But, while other biopics about influential women often focus on one or two figures, Mildred is central to the stories of multiple women who made historical contributions to wrestling. Others still get the spotlight, even if their stories aren’t as centered as hers. Because Avildsen can expertly characterize them through dialogue and interactions with others, they stand out even though the movie isn’t directly focused on their careers. It’s an approach that keeps the film fresh without deviating from its central protagonist too much.
With a gripping story that succeeds at highlighting Mildred’s life alongside the early history of women’s pro wrestling, Queen of the Ring is an important film that extends plenty of respect to its real-world history. Stellar performances capture its characters while strong writing is complimented by a clear directorial vision across the whole film. Its entertaining approach to the history it portrays works to make the movie memorable, resulting in a must-see biopic that’s perfect for those who want to learn about women’s wrestling history.
Queen of the Ring is in theaters on March 7, 2025.
Queen of the Ring
7/10
- Release Date
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March 7, 2025
- Stellar performances bring important figures in women’s pro wrestling to life.
- Ash Avildsen’s strong writing creates a fast-paced, dramatic tale.
- Historical elements weave with Mildred’s story to make it more realistic and engaging.
- Time jumps aren’t always telegraphed properly, making the timeline occasionally confusing.